Hearings continue at the Castellón provincial court over alleged sexual crimes committed over a thirty-year period within the La Chaparra sect, which operated near Vistabella. Five out of six defendants are on trial, including the widow and daughter-in-law of the late community leader Antonio Garrigós, known as tío Toni. Both women face sentences of up to 65 years in prison for alleged crimes against minors.
The hearing began with their testimony. The women, in tears, stated they had no knowledge of any child abuse. According to them, all sexual rituals involved only adults and were allegedly performed for healing purposes. “I never suspected that anything like this could have happened to children; it’s unimaginable,” said the leader’s daughter-in-law, now 48. The widow of tío Toni, aged 74, added that if such crimes did occur, Antonio kept them well hidden.
Denial of charges
Both women, like the other defendants, categorically denied involvement in the crimes described by the victims. The daughter-in-law admitted to just one incident: she witnessed the use of a vibrator—a device the sect leader would use for ‘healing’ women—on a minor. She claimed she thought the girl was already of legal age and believed it was part of a therapeutic process. “I held her hand to keep her calm,” she explained.
The women emphasized that they were not part of Antonio’s inner circle of confidantes and held no authority within the sect. They insist they were merely subordinates, with all decisions made solely by Uncle Toni. According to them, they initially admired him, but later felt fear and disappointment upon realizing they had become victims of deception.
Power and Submission
The leader’s widow recounted that she met Antonio through a former partner. He presented himself as a messenger of God, predicted catastrophes, and insisted that only the “people of light” could save the world. The woman admitted she fell entirely under his influence: “He brainwashed us.” She depended on him even for day-to-day matters—receiving money only to travel to the city, and could get slapped for the slightest mistake.
Within the sect, there were so-called “triangles of light” and the “circle of seven chosen” — groups of women who, according to the widow, engaged in prayer, listened to music, and had intimate relations with the leader. These rituals were believed to bring light to the world and ward off disasters. Later, Uncle Toni removed her from this group, sending her to a separate room.
Victims and Manipulation
According to the prosecution, a minor was also involved in the ‘circle of the chosen,’ but both women insist they did not know her age. The daughter-in-law said she met the sect leader when she was 15. Her parents entrusted her to Antonio, hoping he would help their shy daughter. Soon after, he began visiting her at home, and one day, when they were alone, he assaulted her. The girl did not understand what was happening and did not realize she had become a victim of a crime.
Later, when she turned 16, Uncle Toni used that same vibrator on her, explaining it was necessary to ‘unblock’ her feminine health. Only years later did the woman realize she had been manipulated. At 17, the sect leader insisted she marry his son, completely controlling her life—from meetings with her parents to intimate relations with her husband.
Testimonies and accusations
Prosecutors and experts believe the sect could only exist for so long thanks to support from those closest to its leader. However, all the defendants insist they had no power and were just as much victims as the others. The daughter-in-law said she suffered abuse and humiliation at the hands of Uncle Toni, and that once he even hit her and threw her against a wall over a mistake during a medical procedure.
The woman also recalled losing her child after the cult leader insisted on a dangerous trip to the mountains. The turning point for her came with the confession of Uncle Toni’s daughter’s daughter, who spoke about abuse by her father. It was then that the woman began to question the truth of the allegations for the first time.
Other defendants
That same day, another former member of the group testified in court, denying any relationships with minors. The only man among the defendants also rejected all accusations against him. The fourth woman, who was accused by her niece, stated that she had not witnessed any of the crimes.
All five defendants attribute the victims’ statements to jealousy, conflicts, or financial disputes. The next day, the final defendant is expected to be questioned, after which the parties will determine whether the charges will be changed.
